Netflix’s ‘Charlie Vs. The Chocolate Factory’ Gets A Sony-fied First Look And Contemporary Reset

Netflix has set a 2027 release for Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory and released a new first-look image for the upcoming feature, which reimagines Roald Dahl’s most famous work through a contemporary lens and stylized animation.

The film is directed by Jared Stern and Elaine Bogan and produced at Netflix Animation, with animation by Sony Pictures Imageworks. It’s a relationship that continues to bear fruit after the successes of films like The Mitchells vs. The Machines, The Sea Beast, and KPop Demon Hunters, all of which are now getting the franchise treatment at Netflix.

Sony’s recent work has pushed toward more expressive, graphic-driven CG, and early indications suggest this project will lean in a similar visual direction.

Netflix’s synopsis reads:

Willy Wonka has spent the years since the Golden Ticket contest behind bars (not the chocolate kind) for the crime of turning a child into a blueberry. Having served his time, Wonka returns to his factory determined to add a little sweetness to a bitter world. But one thing stands in his way: teenager Charlie Paley and his friends. Facing eviction, this next generation of “rotten” kids plot to break into the factory, nab a priceless Wonka Bar, and save their homes. But like many before them who enter the fantastical world of the factory, these kids are in for a bit more than they can chew…

In a release, directors Stern and Bogan explained:

Having been raised on the delightfully twisted world of Willy Wonka, it’s a privilege to bring his continued adventures to life as twisted adults. And how sweet to do it like never before via the magic of animation, creating a Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory that’s more deliciously unhinged than your wildest imagination. If we do a rotten job, you can throw us down a rubbish chute!

The project continues Netflix’s broader push following its acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company, expanding the author’s worlds into a wider screen universe through a mix of direct adaptations and reimaginings. Recent releases include an animated feature adaptation of The Twits, as well as live-action titles Matilda the Musical (2022) and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023).

Also announced today, the Charlie voice casting includes Kit Connor (The Wild Robot) and Taika Waititi, with Waititi, who was originally picked by Netflix to write and direct, also serving as an executive producer. According to the prolific filmmaker:

Our directors, Jared and Elaine, have a bold vision befitting this new adventure whilst remaining sympathetic to the legacy, and I’m thrilled to play my part in bringing Willy Wonka to life in animated form.  He is so special to me, and the opportunity to voice such an iconic, eccentric candy genius — if a little mischievous at times — is hugely exciting.

No specific launch date has been announced yet, but we’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.